Wieliczka Salt Mine
In 2017 1.7 million tourists from more than 200 countries visited the Wieliczka Salt Mine, an increase of 9% in comparison with the year before. Last year also saw more than 350 cultural, art and scientific events held in the underground chambers. The Salt Mine has 9 rooms at its disposal, available for all types of meetings for up to 600 participants. The list of satisfied customers includes, i.a. members of the Paris-based International Association of Lawyers (Union Internationale des Avocats: UIA) and representatives of the Orlando-based International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).
Domestic tourists constituted almost half of all visitors (49%). Foreigners (41%) included mostly guests from Great Britain, Italy, Germany, Spain, France, USA, Norway, Sweden, Czech Republic and Belgium. Wieliczka was also visited by tourists from countries as faraway as Surinam, Bahrain, Brunei or Lesotho. The main tourist route was the most popular option, while the children-friendly Saltland and the Pilgrims Route were picked most frequently among its themed counterparts.
Finally, many routes and chambers of the Wieliczka Salt Mine underwent renovation last year –electric wiring and tunnels were modernized plus works were conducted to protect the mine from floodings. Two-year long renovation of the Wessel chamber doubled its capacity. In the next decade, besides the reconstruction of a historical shaft top, emphasis will be placed on the construction of a multi-level parking lot and a Tourist Centre.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a winner of the competition for the Best Tourist Product – a Certificate of the Polish Tourist Organisation.
Source: Polish Tourism Organisation | Wieliczka Salt Mine
Photo © Anna Karahan